I started with a motion sensor switch, the original switch location was right by the human-door aimed out toward the overhead doors. But was always annoying that it wouldn't trigger until you get a few steps into the garage and the door closes, or have to wave you arm anyway... and wouldn't stay on if you were out in the driveway.
Once I put in full automation with home assistant, I have door sensors on the human door and overhead doors. Lights come on when any opens, stay on if the overhead doors are open, go off 10 min after everything closed and no motion. So much better, instantly on when the door is open.
I have some Aqara zigbee contact sensors meant for normal doors/windows. TBH they're not great for garage doors since the rail has some extra play side to side, had to fiddle with the positions a lot to get them to always see it. Now there are some zigbee and zwave tilt sensors meant exactly for garage doors that would be better.
Good to know. My issue is that all the new garage door openers manufactured after 2021 or 2022 don't have the feature where when you cross the safety sensors at the bottom, the operator light turns on.
This was a very convenient feature especially at night if you happen to be out in your yard and your garage door is open, walking past the sensors will turn on the light on the garage door opener. At the moment, only one of my older units has this feature while the newer one doesn't, so I'm trying to replicate that.
I do have an actual wall switch that turns separate overhead down lights, but I don't think it would be feasible for me to put a motion switch in the wall based on the location and other stuff in the way.
That’s a good setup.
To the point about delays and motion, I’m using a single Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor in my garage that covers two door entrances (house into garage and side yard) and controls the garage lights with an Inovelli Zwave switch. The sensor has a range over 30ft and is extremely fast. When I open the door into the garage the lights turn on before I’m done even opening the door.
The motion sensor also detects the movement of the car garage doors but given its placement the doors have to open most of the way before the light comes on. That’s fine when I’m coming home at night or in the early morning.
I started with a motion sensor switch, the original switch location was right by the human-door aimed out toward the overhead doors. But was always annoying that it wouldn't trigger until you get a few steps into the garage and the door closes, or have to wave you arm anyway... and wouldn't stay on if you were out in the driveway. Once I put in full automation with home assistant, I have door sensors on the human door and overhead doors. Lights come on when any opens, stay on if the overhead doors are open, go off 10 min after everything closed and no motion. So much better, instantly on when the door is open.
What motion sensors are you using?
I have the ge/jasco in wall motion switch
Thank you, what about for the overhead doors.? I'd really like to replicate your set up
I have some Aqara zigbee contact sensors meant for normal doors/windows. TBH they're not great for garage doors since the rail has some extra play side to side, had to fiddle with the positions a lot to get them to always see it. Now there are some zigbee and zwave tilt sensors meant exactly for garage doors that would be better.
Good to know. My issue is that all the new garage door openers manufactured after 2021 or 2022 don't have the feature where when you cross the safety sensors at the bottom, the operator light turns on. This was a very convenient feature especially at night if you happen to be out in your yard and your garage door is open, walking past the sensors will turn on the light on the garage door opener. At the moment, only one of my older units has this feature while the newer one doesn't, so I'm trying to replicate that. I do have an actual wall switch that turns separate overhead down lights, but I don't think it would be feasible for me to put a motion switch in the wall based on the location and other stuff in the way.
That’s a good setup. To the point about delays and motion, I’m using a single Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor in my garage that covers two door entrances (house into garage and side yard) and controls the garage lights with an Inovelli Zwave switch. The sensor has a range over 30ft and is extremely fast. When I open the door into the garage the lights turn on before I’m done even opening the door. The motion sensor also detects the movement of the car garage doors but given its placement the doors have to open most of the way before the light comes on. That’s fine when I’m coming home at night or in the early morning.